Last month there was a very important announcement from dictionary.com. 6-7 is the word of the year. Of course, it’s not really one word, but two – two numbers, in fact, that have been sitting together happily for centuries since counting began in English, but now they have been unleashed on the world as two random numbers that have been strung together seemingly for the sole purpose of annoying parents in the world. According to a writer in the Guardian, “It can – and has been – used pretty much whenever you want to annoy an old person.” And, I guess, any teachers have experienced frustration at this phenomenon too, as was demonstrated when Prime Minister Kier Starmer got into trouble with a teacher when he did the 6-7 dance in a visit to a classroom and was promptly told off, and I heard of a nativity play where instead of saying their line, a child shouted out 6-7, because, why not?
But what does it mean? There are lots of theories around, and it originated with reference to the height of a basketball player, but ultimately, the phrase 6-7 means nothing. It means whatever you want it to mean. And isn’t that typical of the world we live in – a world of slogans and soundbites that are designed to catch the eye. Words seem to have lost their meaning. But it’s not just words that seem to have changed their meaning, or been weaponised in some cases – think of powerful symbols like our own national flag, whether the flag of St George or the Union Flag. For me, and more millions of others, they are symbols of appropriate national pride which have united us in the past – think of London 2012 when we rose with pride as athletes from different backgrounds adorned themselves with that wonderful symbol around their shoulders to unite in one joyful celebration of success. Think of the recent Jubilees in 2022 and VE Day Anniversary Celebrations, or the Women’s Euros’ football celebrations in 2022 and this year. These were times when the flags were waved with pride. But, more recently they’ve been put up to intimate and send a message to those who aren’t white British that they don’t belong. This is exactly the source of the recent, intense controversy. While millions see the flag as a benign expression of national pride, its widespread, unauthorized display has been increasingly co-opted by groups to send a message of exclusion and intimidation, turning a symbol of intended unity into a potent marker of division and contested belonging.
As we see words and symbols change their meaning in our society, it can feel like nothing is stable. But tonight, we remember a message that has never changed in over two millennia. This message was delivered by the angels to the shepherds in a field outside Bethlehem —not as a political slogan or a divisive symbol, but as an announcement of eternal, universal hope:
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
The story that has unfolded before us this evening is one of good news for absolutely everyone. While we have heard and sung many words this evening, if we take away anything from tonight, may it be this – the message of the angels, the heart of it all – A Saviour has been born for you.
This is “Good news of great joy for all people.” For you and me. Because the coming of Jesus that night in Bethlehem met a universal need. Just look at the headlines: the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, the political divisions tearing families apart, or the tragic gun violence in places like Australia and across the globe. All of this chaos, cruelty, and conflict boils down to the brokenness and self-interest within the human heart—the need for a Saviour from our sin. The angel’s message is good news for all people because Christ offers a solution to this root cause, providing not only eternal reconciliation but also the moral peace and hope desperately needed to overcome the hatred and division that fuel these worldwide tragedies.
At Christmas we celebrate that God saw our greatest need and did something about it. God saw that the world was in a mess; that we couldn’t save ourselves, and so he sent Jesus – whose name itself means “God saves” – into the world.
“Our sins have been forgiven. Think about what that really means. Every angry, lustful, greedy, dishonest, jealous, prideful, lazy, mean-spirited, unkind, unwise, unfaithful thing we’ve thought, said or done – wiped out. Forgotten. God doesn’t hold our rebellion against us; instead, incredibly, he offers mercy, the mercy of a King who sent his own son, Emmanuel, to demonstrate his mercy in person and to become our Saviour.”
Jesus came to save. But he gives us a choice – will we accept his saving help or not? Some of us tonight need to hear the truth that God came to save us, and to grab onto that saving help with both hands.
Others might then ask – if I accept Jesus as my saviour, then so what? What difference will that make?
Actually, I believe it makes all the difference. Not only can we know the freedom of having our sins forgiven, but we can have the hope that no matter how dark things seem, there is always hope, the hope of eternal life, because Jesus grew up to
become our saviour who defeated death.
There is also hope for us today. There is hope that, even if it seems like it’s taking a long time, God is working to bring about his plans and purposes in the world. After all, Jesus’ birth had been promised nearly 800 years beforehand. The world may have had to wait a long time, but that promise was fulfilled. God kept his word. He is a saviour-giving,
promise-keeping God. We can trust him. He didn’t watch the suffering of the world in despair and distance, but – as we heard in our final reading, he became flesh and blood and made his dwelling among us – he got his hands dirty, so he could become Immanuel, God with us. This means we will never be alone.
So, where do we go from here? What do we do about this good news? Some of us need to acknowledge that we need a saviour, to receive this incredible gift of Jesus into our lives. But it’s like any gift. Not only do we need to unwrap it, but we
need to use it.
How many of us have unspent gift cards or vouchers in our wallets or purses? I know we do. Apparently up to £250 million is wasted per year in unspent gift
cards. I think we should go out and spend them. That would shock the businesses, which are, after all, probably hoping that they remain unspent!
I also believe that some of us need to cash in on and make the most of the gift God has given us. How?
1. Begins with that decision. Decide we want to receive Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, or take a step towards that – explore the Christian faith through Alpha..
2. Perhaps we have faith but it’s been dormant. Well, it might be time to make space for God. Like all relationships, it’s important to make time to get to know God
through prayer and reading the Bible. That’s how we sense presence of God. If you’re new to the Christian faith, consider attending the Alpha course, where you can find out more about Jesus. We may need to rearrange our priorities, but it’s well worth it. Jesus promises to stand there through every part of your future.
3. Join a church, like this one – a family where we can grow in the knowledge and love of God together.
3. Invest in this relationship every day. God wants to have moment by moment relationship with you. That’s what you were made for. That’s why Saviour’s name wasn’t just saviour, but God with us. Allow him to be at the heart of your life, no matter how messy. He comes to us as we are. We can be ourselves with him. Jesus – God saves. Immanuel – God is with us. Let’s truly celebrate and make the most of this great gift this Christmas time and every day of our lives.
May the clear, unchanging message of the angels—that a Saviour has been born for you—be the anchor of hope that guides you through every messy part of your life.
Halwill Publishing 